If you’re a seasoned drinker, you might think you know everything there is to know about alcohol. But chances are, you only know about the most popular spirits. In actuality, there are seven different types of alcohol, and each one has its own unique flavor and properties.
So, if you’re looking to expand your horizons and try something new, here are the seven spirits of alcohol you need to know about.
The 7 Different Types of Alcohol You Need to Know
- Gin – Gin is a clear spirit that is flavored with juniper berries. It’s typically used in martinis and other cocktails and is often infused with other botanicals, such as citrus peel or coriander.
- Rum – Rum is a dark spirit that is made from sugarcane. It’s often used in cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris, and comes in a variety of flavors, such as coconut, banana, or spiced.
- Vodka – Vodka is a versatile alcoholic beverage that can be made from humble ingredients like potatoes or grain. You might see it in popular cocktails such as cosmopolitans and Bloody Marys, or in more unique drinks, like the dirty martini.
- Whiskey – Whiskey is a dark spirit that is made from grain. It’s often used in cocktails such as Old Fashioneds and Manhattans and comes in a variety of flavors, such as peaty scotch or smoky bourbon.
- Tequila – Tequila is a type of clear spirit that is made from the agave plant. It’s often used in cocktails such as margaritas and Palomas and is sometimes infused with fruity flavors, such as lime or mango.
- Aperitifs – Aperitifs are alcoholic beverages that are typically served before a meal. They often have a fruity or herbal flavor and can include anything from vermouth to Campari.
- Brandy – Brandy is a dark spirit that is made from grapes. It’s often used in cocktails such as brandy Alexander or the Sidecar and comes in a wide variety of flavors, such as cherry or apricot.
Why is alcohol called spirit?
The word “spirit” has Latin roots. The Latin word for spirit is “spiritus.” This word was then adopted into Old French as “espirit,” and eventually made its way into English through Norman French in the Middle Ages.
This most likely originated from Vulgar Latin ‘spiritus vini‘, or “wine infused with spices.” Therefore, it’s probably where we get the modern English usage of “spirit” meaning liquor.
Over time, this meaning changed and came to refer to a person’s soul or emotions. From there, the meaning evolved again and began to refer specifically to distilled alcoholic beverages.
Back in the 14th century, distillation was a new process that was used to create distilled spirits. This process was so innovative and controversial that it was often associated with alchemy and the occult. As a result, distilled spirits were often referred to as “spirits of wine” or “spirits of ale.”
It wasn’t until the 16th century that the term “spirit” began to be used exclusively to refer to alcohol. This was likely due to the fact that distilled spirits were becoming more popular and mainstream at this time. By the 17th century, “spirit” was being used interchangeably with “liquor” and “strong drink.”
Today, the term “spirit” is used to describe any type of distilled alcohol, including spirits like gin, rum, whiskey, and vodka. While the word originally had somewhat negative connotations, it is now used to refer to a wide range of delicious alcoholic beverages that are enjoyed by people around the world.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! The seven different types of alcohol you need to know about if you’re looking to expand your drinks repertoire. Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive; there are literally thousands of different types of alcohol out there waiting to be discovered (and tasted).
But whether you’re a fan of gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, tequila, aperitifs, or brandy, these are some of the most popular and well-loved spirits out there.
If you’re a fan of cocktails, why not give them a try? Whether you’re sipping on your favorite drink or trying out new recipes, the world of spirits has something for everyone to enjoy.
